Bring up the name Leanne Donley with past and present students of Central Valley High School and you are bound to hear tones of respect and admiration normally reserved for folk heroes.
Now in her 28th year as a teacher and advisor at CV, Donley oversees a Leadership class that has impacted thousands of kids in a myriad of positive ways. Beyond coordinating programs like ASB and time-honored events like Stinky Sneaker, Donley’s class steps up to run a mammoth food drive each year along with a blanket project that benefits local nonprofits.
“Leanne rallies the students and has just championed the food drive,” said Cal Coblentz, executive director of Spokane Valley Partners, which benefits from the donation of food and monetary donations each year.
Donley has not gone unnoticed for her efforts. In 2003, she was named Washington State Advisor of the Year and the following year was honored as Western States Advisor of the Year.
“Mrs. Donley provides a priceless experience for students, a sense of belonging and opportunities for growth – two things high schoolers desperately need,” said Joe McFarlane, who graduated from CV in 2004 and is now a successful attorney. “It’s been almost 20 years since I was in her class and I still look back with fondness at the positive experiences she provided.”
Donley says she simply tries to “let students know they have the power to make a positive impact.”
As a student at Lake Stevens High in Western Washington, Donley participated in soccer, tennis, band and cheerleading. She earned good grades without making much of an effort and found herself drifting until enrolling in a Leadership class that brought new purpose and direction. The program would be the template for what she started many years later at CV.
After graduating in 1988, Donley headed across the Cascades for
college, the only student in her senior class to enroll at Eastern Washington University. While she had lost every ASB election in high school, Donley emerged from every ballot at EWU as a winner. She immersed herself in student government and found her stride in roles like vice president of finance with the executive team.
Donley left Cheney with a degree in Communications and Mass Organization in 1992 and latched on with a hotel chain in event management. The work was steady but left Donley feeling flat. It was around that time she began volunteering at the YMCA School for Homeless Children.
“It put my struggles in perspective,” she said. “I knew I needed to go back to school and be a teacher.”
Donley went back to EWU, attending night classes while working during the day. The rigorous schedule paid off with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English. By the 1994-95 school year, she had joined the staff at CV. In the fall of 1996, she launched the Leadership class. Over the years, Donley has taught subjects like history and English but it’s the Leadership curriculum that has become her signature.
“I feel really lucky because every day, I learn something from my kids,” Donley said. “My goal is to help students create a positive climate and culture.”
Donley and her husband Chris met at EWU and have been married since 1996. They are proud parents of two daughters – Lauren, a college freshman, and Cora, a freshman at CV.
Q: Growing up, how did teachers impact your life and how did those
lessons translate into the teacher and advisor that you became?
A: Teachers saved me. I felt invisible and they saw me. I used over-involvement as an avoidance tactic. They weren’t fooled. They took a chance on me when I wouldn’t take one on myself. Some of my most impactful core memories are teachers reaching out. Mrs. Pierson taking me for a long walk during one of my classes. Now, I understand the value of personal connection and breaks from the pressure of life. Mr. Erickson created a leadership class because leadership is an action not an election. My leadership team is patterned after this. Frau Eggert treated us like adults, listened and heard us as though we had something to say. I would hope that I did and do the same.
Q: You began your professional career in a field outside education. How did the experience of volunteering at the YMCA during that time change your career course?
A: I realized early on that nylons and proper accessories were not my thing. I was so unhappy. The simple act of helping others reduces even the darkest day. The time I spent at the School for Homeless Children gave me the courage to quit my job and follow my ne found passion. I didn’t know I wanted to be like those teachers who loved me when I was unlovable until I got to love some of the most difficult students. I keep a quote by Jeffrey R. Holland at my desk: “And if those children are unresponsive, maybe you can’t teach them yet, but you can love them. And if you love them today, maybe you can teach them tomorrow.”
Q: OK, hypothetical. You’ve been a mentor to many students at CV over the years dealing with a variety of challenges. You had some of your own as an adolescent. How do you think teacher Leanne would have supported and encouraged student Leanne?
A: That is so hard because this teacher Leanne just wants to roll her eyes at student Leanne. But what I tell my students now is what I heard nearly 40 years ago. “It will be OK.” “You are enough.” “What you do isn’t who you are.” “Breathe.” And then, “You are loved”. Sometimes that is all it takes to give us the courage to keep
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Day
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going.
Q: We hear a lot about how kids today are mostly self-centered, glued to electronic devices and not real interested in others outside themselves. Yet you run a program where a lot of the focus is on service and bettering the community. Are kids not getting credit for being more selfless or at least trying?
A: Easy answer – No! Kids these days are honest. They find authenticity of great value. They want to know why because they know the importance of people and time. They want to make a difference. They are resilient. They are flexible. They are courageous. There is nothing they cannot do if we, as adults, would just listen and believe. Daily, I see kids making a difference. I see them overcoming obstacles and then helping their peers over theirs. Kids these days don’t necessarily do what we want them to do, but, they more often than not, do what needs to be done. They are leaving their mark whether we want to see it or not.
Q: Have you seen changes to the priorities, values and interests students have in the nearly 30 years you’ve been a teacher?
A: Yes and no. I really think kids are the same, they just present in different ways. I mean I have seen the hair and clothes styles from the early 90s come around again. If you put 1995 next to the seniors of 2023, I can identify the same kids – Academics, Athletics, Arts, Activities, obedient, defiant, workers, socializers, introverts, extroverts, etc. But over time, pagers became phones. Avoidance tactics have evolved. Kids are the same, but what they are overcoming is larger and harder and more consequential. I guess what has changed the most is those challenges. What kids are juggling today is beyond imagination. That is the most heartbreaking for me.
Q: You seem profoundly invested as both a teacher and a parent. What are the similarities between the two for you and what about the differences?
A: Becoming a parent made me a better teacher and being a teacher has made me a better parent. There is a difference but the weight of both positions is equally as heavy. We are a team – parents and teachers. Our job is to create the best, more productive, contributing adult. If we work together, our outcome would be even more amazing.
Q: What were the most difficult aspects for you as a teacher and supporter of kids when it came to
the COVID-19 pandemic? What did you learn about yourself and your students when the crisis was at its peak?
A: We can overcome anything if we work together. I remember that day, March 13, like it was yesterday. The uncertainty, the fear, the sadness. I didn’t realize how important teaching and the kids were to me until I couldn’t do it anymore. As Scout says in “To Kill a Mockingbird” –“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” Teaching and seeing my kids grow is such a part of who I am and away from that, I struggled to find daily joy. We grasped for connection but we found a way to thrive. We realized that it wasn’t great, but it was going to be OK. We realized that we had to reset, change our thinking and alter our sense of normal. This helped us prioritize. We had to change our frame, but we found our joy again. One of my teachers once told me to “Find the beauty in a mud puddle.” I feel like that was Covid in the classroom. We had to find beauty and we did.
Q: Ridgeline High School is now in its second year with many kids who either would have gone to CV or attended CV before now part of the campus in Liberty Lake. How has that transition affected the culture and environment at CV from what you’ve seen?
A: It’s nice to be able to breathe again! The halls don’t look like a fish ladder and high run. It was easy to be invisible when the school was so packed. It was frenetic and loud. There was no place to find calm. Now, in our calm and controlled crazy, we can re-create our vision and climate. After Covid, our “We have always’ disappeared. Our upperclassmen were underclassmen when Covid hit. We had minimal organizational memory as far as the kids go. This allowed us to ask ourselves who we are and what we do. It has been nice to find ourselves again.
Q: As you teach and work with students who will be the future leaders and difference-makers in our society, what brings you hope?
A: Just that! They are our future. Every single one of them has the power and capacity for greatness. This greatness is self-designed. There isn’t an answer or a prototype. There is no right way. They can be who they want to be and do what they want to do. I cannot change the world, but they can. That brings me hope. They bring me hope. There isn’t a day that I don’t love my job and that is because of the possibilities they show me.
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Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 333
Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 13
Citations (Traffic/Criminal/ Non-Criminal) 9
DUI (Driving Under Influence) 3
Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 22
Malicious Mischief 1
Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a
Weapon 11
Parking Violations 1
Suspicious Vehicles 21
*The above numbers are as of 12/01/2022
Crisis, 12/02/22: Officers responded to the 20000 block of Nora Avenue to assist BHU (Behavior Health Unit) with an adult female at that location. BHU had a detention order for the female, and she was taken into custody without incident. Officers have had a history of responding to this location for crisis related calls on the female over the past several months leading to the detention order. It should be noted that officers respond to an average of 10 Crisis related calls each month to various locations.
Person with a Weapon , 12/09/22: Officers responded to a person threatening people with a knife near the 19000 block of E. Appleway Ave. Officers arrived to assist Valley Police with an adult male who was threatening people in the area with the knife. Officers were able to get the male to drop the knife and he was taken into custody without incident. Valley Police officers transported the male to the Spokane County Jail for the threats with a weapon.
Domestic Dispute, 12/31/22: Officers responded to the 22000 block of E. Appleway Ave for a report of a domestic dispute. As officers arrived, they heard sounds of a struggle taking place inside. Officers went inside and contacted an adult
male and female who appeared to be physically fighting. Officer separated the two and determined the adult male had struck the female as the primary aggressor in the dispute. The adult male was place under arrest and transported to the Spokane County Jail for the Assault IV, domestic violence violation.
Please call 911 immediately for emergency assistance when needed and call Crime Check if you see something you feel may need our attention. If you don’t hear back from Crime-Check in a timely manner, please call, and request officer assistance.
Stay well and be safe!
The Liberty Lake Police Department recognized the exceptional contributions of three of its staff with the department’s special awards for 2022. The awards were formally presented as part of the regular meeting of the Liberty Lake City Council that was held on Jan. 3.
• The 2022 Sergeant’s Award was presented to Master Police Officer Stephanie Olivas, who has been part of the Liberty Lake police staff since February 2019. In handing the award to MPO Olivas, Sgt. Mike Bogenreif called her “a team player who always puts the needs of the department over hers,” and recalled how Olivas assisted colleagues while she was offduty by providing Spanish language translation during their interactions
Coinciding in time for February’s Heart Health Month, some of Liberty Lake’s police vehicles will now be carrying automated external defibrillator (AED) units so officers can provide quick assistance to people suffering sudden cardiac arrests.
The new units are being provided through a partnership that was announced on Jan. 17 with the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD). SVFD will be repurposing 23 AED units that will be divided through a lend-lease arrangement among the Liberty Lake Police Department as well as the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department.
The American Heart Association has reported that more than 356,000 cardiac arrests outside of a hospital occur each year in the United States, with nearly 90 percent of those being fatal. The portable AED units are able to deliver an electrical shock to help a heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
“It’s really important that we get these on patients as soon as
with a suspect that allowed the staff to handle the situation in a timely manner. Additionally, Olivas has become a certified car seat technician and will be holding classes in the future to help Liberty Lake residents install their child car seats correctly. Plus, she has become the department’s background investigator for newly hired officers.
• The department’s first-ever Lieutenant’s Award was given to Master Police Officer Derek Arnold, who has served with the Liberty Lake police since October of 2019. In presenting the award, Liberty Lake Police Lt. Darin Morgan recognized Arnold’s duties as the department’s armorer, pistol instructor and primary weapons instructor, adding that Arnold revised standards to make them more
relevant to current practices for law enforcement. Arnold also took an active role as the staff’s field training officer coordinator and as a crew chief for the multi-jurisdictional Spokane County Air Unit.
• The 2022 Officer of the Year Award was presented to Officer Jordan Sowell, who joined the Liberty Lake police in July of 2020. In announcing this award, Liberty Lake Police Chief Damon Simmons said: “The day-to-day challenges officers face have increased exponentially and stepping up to meet those challenges is as difficult.” He called Sowell “magnificent” in meeting those challenges, adding that Sowell “is a great example of the fact that leadership is not based on stripes, bars, leaves or stars.”
Two new members have recently joined the Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission. John Bahr began a term in November that will continue through the end of 2023 and Noelle Otersen Loparco started her at-large term in January that will run through the end of 2024.
Bahr’s resume includes work as a supervision principal at U.S. Bank, experience as a consultant on projects through Jefferson Well Consulting and serving in financial compliance with Piper Jaffray and West One Bancorp. Additionally, he has been providing the garden that visitors to the Liberty Lake Municipal Library have been enjoying at the southwest corner of that property for the past four years.
Loparco grew up in Liberty Lake and moved back to the city within the past year. She has been involved with the Coeur d’Alene Library, has worked as a sommelier consultant and is employed in the financial planning field with New York Life.
possible,” said SVFD Chief Frank Soto Jr. “In our minds and in the minds of our law enforcement is why not do this together in a combined effort. They’re often first on the scene, so why not take advantage of that – provide them with these AEDs so they can actually start the lifesaving process before we get there and get the best opportunity for survival from a cardiac arrest.”
Liberty Lake Police Chief Damon Simmons added: “Liberty Lake is a smaller community, and often we (the police) are the first on the scene. We’re there pretty fast. Giving our officers another tool to increase the survivability rates
of individuals who are suffering cardiac arrest or heart attack is just a great opportunity for us to help the community and increase our ability to safeguard the public.”
The city of Liberty Lake is also part of the Pulse Point program with SVFD The Pulse Point app is available free on the App Store and Google Play to download. The app alerts CPR–trained bystanders to a cardiac emergency in your area. It then provides direction to the exact location of the emergency, as well as the closest AED. AED machines are available at located all city parks and properties. To learn more, visit www.pulsepoint.org.
The volunteer group currently consists of seven members and is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations about recreation programs offered by the city, overseeing the municipal arts programs and reviewing proposals related to the city’s parks. The commission also serves as the City Forestry Board and oversees its Urban Forestry Program. Meetings of the Parks and Arts Commission are held on the first Monday of each month at Liberty Lake City Hall starting at 4 p.m.
• Police Chief Damon Simmons oversaw the 2022 Liberty Lake Police Department annual awards at the Jan. 3 council meeting. Officer Stephanie Olivas was recognized with the Sergeant’s Award. Officer Derek Arnold was presented with the inaugural Lieutenant’s Award. Officer Jordan Sowell was honored as the Officer of the Year. For more details on the awards, see the Lookout page.
• HUB Sports Center Executive Director Phil Champlin provided an update at the Jan. 3 council meeting on the facility’s expansion project slated for 17.5 acres adjacent from the current property not far from Selkirk Middle School. Champlin said installing four multi-purpose fields on synthetic turf “lends itself to being operated 12 months out of the year.” There is also talk of illuminating the fields. One natural grass field would be included in the layout as would an inclusive playground space, a walking trail and Pickleball courts. “This would expand our capacity to serve the community,” said Champlin who noted that the expansion could double the HUB’s economic impact, bringing it to a total of between $12 million to $14 million annually. The HUB paid $3 million to purchase the property last February. The price tag on the project is $22 million. Spokane County has committed close to $1 million while request for another $1 million is on the table for the upcoming state legislative session. Champlin asked Liberty Lake to consider $250,000 toward the project from the Lodging Tax Fund. He added that the first phase would entail two fields, restrooms and parking. On Jan. 17, Finance Director Kyle Dixon said the HUB’s request would need to comply with regulations outlined in the Revised Code of Washington. Dixon will be bringing back the matter at the Feb. 7 council meeting.
• Mark Saba gave an overview of Winter Glow 2022 at the Jan. 17 council meeting, thanking committee members and volunteers for their contributions. Saba told council “it was another successful Winter Glow,” despite colder than normal temperatures. “Winter Glow is a year-round venture,” said Saba, pointing to a golf tournament and dinner in June and October, respectively, that will raise funds and awareness for the project.
• The Liberty Lake Kiwanis will sponsor the Father Daughter Dance on March 4 at the Mirabeau Park and Convention Center.
• Mayor Cris Kaminskas told council that the preliminary state budget presented by Mayor Jay Inslee pushes the North/ South Freeway construction in Spokane back six years. Kaminskas said there is a consensus on the Spokane Regional Transportation Council that the delay would have a negative ripple effect on regional transportation projects. She said SRTC will be voicing its concerns in Olympia during the current legislative session.
• Planning and Building Manager Lisa Key said the proposed name for the flex room at the remodeled Trailhead clubhouse is “The Rotary Room” based on a recommendation from the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club which provided a donation of $50,000 toward the project. The proposal will be brought back as a resolution at the next council meeting.
• The city introduced and approved a proclamation recognizing Jan. 16-22 as Community Risk Reduction Week, a grassroots initiative of fire safety officials across the nation.
• The city is moving ahead with a Hooptown mural on the surface of the basketball court at Pavillion Park. Council approved a call for artists led by the Parks and Arts Commission which is organizing the project. The commission will be holding a workshop in March, addressing its strategic plan and goals. Parks and Maintenance Director Jen Camp said the group is also discussing a potential project with the Daughters of the American Revolution that
would honor the Unknown Soldier.
• Chief Frank Soto Jr. of the Spokane Valley Fire Department gave a summary of the department’s Maintenance & Operations Levy on Feb. 14. He pointed out that SVFD is only one of seven departments in Washington and the only public agency east of the Cascades to be accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, which Soto said has a ripple effect in lowering insurance rates. He added the department was responsible for $11 million in property preservation in 2022. SVFD taught fire safety to over 23,000 residents. The M & O levy is on the ballot every four years and requires a super majority of over 60 percent as well as representation of at least 40 percent of voters who participated in the 2022 general election. The ask is $25 million that would amount to $1.08 per assessed $1,000 of property valuation. If the levy passes, the total rate benefiting SVFD would amount to $2.58 per $1,000 (regular fire levy plus M & O levy) which Soto said would represent the lowest levy rate since 1990. Failure of the levy, Soto said, would mean closing three stations and laying off 66 staff, among other reductions. “All that we ask is that you vote informed,” Soto said.
• Kaminskas brought up an alternative to the city’s longstanding utility tax that would consist of a 0.1 percent sales tax with revenue applied to road maintenance. The tax – known as the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Sales Tax – would likely go before voters, the mayor said, but could also be approved by council without appearing on the ballot. Dixon said the option would offset or reduce the utility tax and raise approximately $675,000 annually. The city would need to establish TBD boundaries before adopting the tax. Vehicle license fees could also be part of an alternative revenue source through the TBD, Dixon added. The 0.1 increase would put the overall sales tax in Liberty Lake at 9 percent.
In the early days of the Liberty Lake Muncipal Library, materials were housed in a makeshift space at the Greenstone Building on Meadowwood Lane and volunteers filled shelves thanks to support from neighborhood book drives.
The original library space came about after residents of the new city agreed that it didn’t make sense for a burgeoning community to rely on the nearby Otis Orchards Library or, for that matter, to merge with the Spokane County Library District.
“We wanted our own library,” said local library catalyst and future City Council member Patrick Jenkins years ago, summing up the independent rally cry of local residents.
Over the years, the city of Liberty Lake and the library have enjoyed a harmonious relationship, keyed largely by inaugural Library Director Pamela Mogen and a devoted Board of Trustees who set the tone for the library’s culture along with Friends of the Library, a robust volunteer group.
Ordinance 119, passed by the City Council in late 2003, laid the foundation for the municipal library and has remained largely unshifted since the governing board passed it two decades ago.
Recently, the ordinance has been dusted off and reviewed in light of a debate last May that ended with council voting 4-2 to uphold the Board of Trustees’ decision to retain a controversial book, with a consensus around the dais that the duty of monitoring reading materials at home falls upon parents.
At a workshop on Jan. 17, City Council revisited the ultimate authority over library policies and later in the meeting came to a vote on amending the long-standing ordinance to put the final say on library matters with council.
Council Member Wendy Van Orman told her fellow council members that she recalled library policies coming before council when she served previously as mayor and
on council. She pointed out that the Washington Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) denotes two categories of libraries – separate entities and branches of code cities.
“Being a code city, we’ve treated the library like a department, we finance them like a department,” Van Orman said. “Like any other department, the library policies would come before the council.”
Ordinance 119 states the city has financial oversight but not policy oversight. A statement on the library page of the city’s website notes that the Board of Trustees “will have a role in determining the mission of the library, setting the policy of the library that governs the library and overseeing the general management of the library.”
Ordinance 119 also states the “management of the Liberty Lake Library shall be vested in the Board of Trustees” while indicating that trustees can adopt bylaws, supervise care of all property of the library, make recommendations concerning functions of the city librarian, submit a budget and accept gifts on behalf of the library.
Mayor Cris Kaminskas said the existing ordinance has served the city and the library well.
“In the words of some very wise council members, this has been in place since October of 2003 and it’s not broke, so don’t fix it.” the mayor said.
Mayor Pro Tem Phil Folyer said the push for change was more about consistency in dealing with departments.
“We’re not looking to take away any power of how they want to operate, we’re just trying to treat the library like any other department,” Folyer said. “We can mold this in a way that best fits how we operate as a city.”
Council Member Tom Sahlberg quoted from the MRSC that “no council has the right to abolish or reduce its functions” –referring to the board – and also referenced Revised Code of Washington (RCW 27) that states library trustees have the authority to establish their own bylaws.
Council Member Chris Cargill brought up the issue of accountability.
“Is the library board accountable to us, are they accountable to the citizens, who are they accountable to?” asked Cargill. “I’m not concerned so much for my sake but I am concerned about the citizens, related to decisions that
boards or commissions might make. This is about the final say, like every other department in the city. It’s another form of checks and balances.”
City Attorney Sean Boutz said authority is delegated to the city to create a library board and review and approve library budgets as part of the overall municipal agenda.
“Council doesn’t want to get involved in the day-to-day functions but they want to have a say in what may happen,” Boutz said.
Boutz said language could be added to the effect of “with the approval of the City Council.”
“To me, it seems to revolve around that particular item.” Boutz said.
“Maybe the problem is that there’s never been a problem to this point, that we’ve all worked in unison,” Folyer said. “For me, they can come up with any policy they want as long as council signs off on it.”
Council Member Dan Dunne drew contrast with other departments like Human Resources and Building and Planning that do not consist of volunteers like the Library Board of Trustees.
“That’s where the analogy ends,” Dunne said.
Folyer emphasized the city was not questioning the ability of trustees to fulfill their role.
“The people on that board are great people and they’re doing a great job but if there are citizens who want
to make a change, how do they do that?” Folyer said. “The only way is to sit up here (as part of council).”
Cargill asked what would happen if there wasn’t a response from the trustees related to a citizen concern to which Dunne said it would be the responsibility of the council to make a change with the trustees.
The ordinance makes it clear that a library trustee can only be removed by a majority vote of council.
Cargill suggested bringing back a proposed amendment to 119 that consists of five words: “Subject to City Council approval”
Cargill’s motion passed 4-3 with Folyer, Van Orman, Jed Spencer and Cargill in the majority and Dunne, Sahlberg and Annie Kurtz opposed. The approved motion means city staff will move ahead and bring the amended Ordinance 119 back for a final vote.
During the public comments portion at the end of the meeting, two library trustees voiced their concern with how council had approached the conversation without the trustees at the table.
“I had to take a little bit of time to digest the workshop that happened earlier today,” said Trustee Brad Hamblet. “I’m a little surprised that a motion was made to amend the ordinance without having that discussion or including the Board of Trustees in on that.”
Hamblet went on to ask council
how expectations would change if the amendment was made.
“Does that mean the council would like the Board of Trustees to bring every policy we review and change before you, red-lined and for your approval? I’ll look forward to hearing from someone about including us in any further discussion.”
Trustee Shawna Deane appealed to council for clarification related to the proposed changes, asking for a workshop to review a myriad of questions.
“If the City Council is going to change the ordinance to have to approve all rules, regulations, policies then we’re going to need a lot more direction other than just an amended ordinance,” Deane said. “Is it the Library Board that determines the policies or the rules or the regulations then we bring it to you for approval, then it’s approved or not? Are you expecting workshops where we’ve discussed everything we’ve already discussed? Then I’m not sure what the point of the Board of Trustees is.”
Kaminskas speculated that the second council meeting in February would be the earliest an amendment to Ordinance 119 might be revisited. She said clarification to the document would need to happen first.
“The goal is to take a 20-year-old ordinance and make it make more sense,” the mayor said. “I want to take the time and do it right. In the end, I think we will be able to work through this.”
The Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission has only existed for four years, but its mark can be clearly seen in the art on street corners and in the city’s parks.
“They’ve brought a lot of art to the community,” said Operations and Maintenance Director Jen Camp, the city’s liaison to the commission. “They’ve been heavily art focused since the beginning.”
The commission started in January 2018 and public art could be seen on the street by the end of that summer. The first project was six utility box wraps, four of them featuring work by local elementary students and two in Pavillion Park featuring historic photos of the area. The utility box wrap program
continues to this day and more are planned this year.
Camp said that the wraps beautify the area while also deterring the graffiti that tends to appear on plain boxes. “It’s been proven that it prevents vandalism,” she said. “It brightens people’s day.”
The projects the commission takes on are funded and approved by the city council. Some, however, also involve sponsorships. STCU partners with the commission to help pay for the utility box wraps.
“There’s some projects that have sponsorships because it resonates with the community,” said commission chairwoman Nancy Hill.
The commission also helped facilitate the donation of a statue to
the city that has been on display in City Hall since 2018. The abstract piece, titled “Family Pieces,” was created by Cheney artist Richard Warrington.
In 2019, the commission installed a story walk in Rocky Hill Park. Students at Spokane Valley Tech designed and created 20 stands that each hold two pages of a book displayed in a waterproof display case. Families can read the story as they walk down a path that meanders through the park. The staff at the Liberty Lake Library select the books that appear in the story walk, which are switched every few months.
In 2020, a piece of art created around the theme “Liberty Lake Together” was installed in Rocky Hill Park. The steel art titled “Growing Together,” which includes four flowers of various sizes, was created by artist Matthew Dockrey. The sculpture sits between the story walk and an old red barn on the edge of the park.
Artists Rolf and Peter Goetzinger created a huge 40-foot mural on the side of a building in Pavillion Park that depicts the history of the area and the original Pavillion that was on the edge of Liberty Lake. The mural, which focuses on the musical history of the original Pavillion, features musicians that performed in Liberty Lake as well as historical figures, all of whom are riding carousel animals.
Those depicted include Stephen Liberty, a French settler whom the lake is named after, and Andrew Seltice, chief of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe during the same era. The musicians include guitarist Robert Cray and former Spokane Symphony music director Eckart Preu.
Not all the art funded by the commission has been permanent. In 2020 the city sponsored a sidewalk chalk art competition in order to engage a community partially shut down by COVID. As a way to encourage people to participate, local artist Stacie Boyer
was selected to create a chalk art piece in Pavillion Park.
Boyer played off the mural already in the park by singling out a frog being ridden by a musician. She created a rock-lined pond with a frog perched on one end. The frog was playing a horn shaped like a flower with butterflies coming out the end of it.
Hill said she likes that the Pavillion Park mural is so bright and colorful and can be enjoyed by people who might not know the historical significance of it. “That pop of color, even if you’re not a history buff, brightens the whole park,” she said.
Hill, who was the director of the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service for decades, said she has been enjoying her time on the Parks and Arts Commission. “Coming from a position in government, I refer to it as the fun commission,” she said.
She lives in Liberty Lake and said she has always enjoyed the city’s parks, which is one of the reasons she wanted to serve on the commission. “After 32 years in animal welfare, I wanted to do something different and I wanted to do something in my community,” she said.
She was recently elected chair of the commission. She joined during the height of the COVID pandemic when all meetings were held over Zoom. Hill said she much prefers meeting in person, which the commission has been able to do for the last year.
“It’s so much better,” she said. “Everybody is so engaged.”
The seven commission members aren’t letting any grass grow under their feet, however. Several projects are in the works for the near future, including working with Hooptown USA to create a community basketball court covered with a mural.
The city has selected a double court in Pavillion Park, which is due to be resurfaced this year, for the project. Hill said a call for artists will be released soon in the hopes that the project can be completed this summer.
“We’re really, really excited to see what artists submit designs,” she said. “We’re hoping it creates
some excitement, especially among basketball players. That’s our big project for this year.”
The commission has also purchased six 55-gallon barrels, which are on back-order, to be decorated and installed in local parks as trash cans. The Liberty Lake Library will work with tweens and teens interested in putting some of their art on one of the barrels. “This is going to be a fun project,” Hill said.
Stands are also being made so that the commission can install another story walk, this one in Orchard Park.
The commission was also recently approached by the Daughters of the American Revolution about partnering on a Never Forget Garden to honor veterans. “It was well received by the commission,” Hill said. “We always want to honor our veterans.”
Hill said she’d also like to have the commission work on some functional art, such as benches, or perhaps some goats that kids can climb on to have their picture taken. Liberty Lake is somewhat known for goats, since the city has a herd of them that make the rounds in local parks and public spaces every summer to eat down weeds. People like to visit the goats to pet them.
There might also be a project associated with the new roundabout at Kramer Parkway and Mission Avenue when it’s finished later this year. “That’s a possibility,” Hill said. “When that’s done, we could add art to that. It’s on the radar.”
Hill said she’d like to get feedback from the community about what art projects and/ or park improvements people would like to see the commission take on. She’s considering having commission members at the city’s booth at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market every week during the summer in order to get input.
There are endless possibilities, Hill said. “We’re still learning and growing as a commission,” she said. “The sky is the limit. It’s a pretty broad commission. We want to enhance what Jen and her team in the parks department are doing.”
Splash news sources
Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 1,779 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area in 2022.
• Emergency Medical Services 1,447
• Building Alarm 105
• Car Collisions 79
• Fires 36
• Hazardous Materials 24
• Dispatched and cancelled enroute 24
• CARES 23
• Service Calls 20
• Technical Rescue 7
• Vehicle Fires 6
• Wildland Fires 6
• Commercial Fires 4
• Brush Fires 3
• Other 1
Of note:
• As of December 31, 2022, Year-to-Date incident total - 23,235 for the entire SVFD Fire District. 1,779 were in the Liberty Lake area.
• Emergency Medical Services were 81.76% of all SVFD incidents.
• Fire Suppression (fire and Building Alarms) was 8.27% of all SVFD incidents.
• Tech Rescue was 5.5 % of all SVFD incidents.
Please remember:
• Colder temperatures and winter weather continues, please Drive Safely.
• Be careful with portable heaters. Keep flammable items away from them and turn them off when not in the room.
• If you have chicken coops, please make sure to use a fire safe heating pad inside the coop. Heating lamps can catch straw and other flammable items inside the coop on fire.
• Please Vote. SVFD M&O Levy will be on the February 14 ballot. This is not a new tax. It is the recurring Maintenance and Operations Levy that refreshes every four years. Information can be found at Spokanevalleyfire.com.
Incidents:
Structure Fire – February 27, 2022 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a reported residential structure fire at approximately 2:30 pm today in the North 3400 Block of Arden Road in Spokane Valley.
A neighbor saw smoke and flames coming from the side of the structure and called 911. The first arriving crews pulled a preconnected hand line from an engine to knock down the fire on the exterior of the structure. Additional crews took handlines to the interior of the structure and extinguished the fire and ensured that the fire had not extended. A thorough search of the structure was performed to ensure that no one was inside the residence. The fire was contained to one corner of the building.
The residents were not home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A total of 12 fire units responded to the call. No injuries were reported.
Photos from the fire scene are posted on our Facebook page.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents to be aware of their neighborhood surroundings.
Structure Fire - November 13, 2022 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded at 9:49 am to 17200 block of E. Coach Drive for a reported structure fire. Initial reports came from firefighters in the area, witnessing smoke in the area. More calls to 911 immediately followed, providing information about a kitchen fire in a residence.
The first due unit, Valley Squad 10 (VS10) from Station 10 in Greenacres was on scene within one minute and 30 seconds from time of dispatch; due to the early alert from the witnessed smoke. VS10 reported heavy smoke throughout the structure and upgraded the call to a working fire, summoning additional resources. Additional crews arrived within moments, and limited fire damage to the kitchen area, and attic space above. There was significant smoke damage throughout the structure.
The resident was heating water on the stove in a tea kettle, when she stated that she walked away. Smoke detectors alerted her to a fire, and she attempted to get her cell phone, but the smoke hindered her efforts. The resident was outside when fire units arrived and was evaluated by paramedics due to concerns of
smoke inhalation. There were no injuries reported by firefighters or civilians.
A total of seven Engines, two Ladder trucks, three command vehicles and one fire investigator were dispatched, bringing a total of 33 personnel to the scene to handle the large number of labor-intensive tasks that need to be accomplished as soon as possible at a working fire. Fire District 8 responded as part of automatic aid, and AMR assisted with medical care.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind everyone ‘watch what you HEAT’. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen for any reason.
Sick Call Turns to Fire Response – November 14, 2022 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded at 2:06 a.m.to the 18600 block of E Lindsay Lane at the request of the Sherriff’s Office (SO) for a sick call to provide medical support and assistance from the SVFD Rescue Task Force (RTF) crew. An RTF crew consisting of a Paramedic Firefighter and EMT Firefighter responded to support the SO.
At 11:09 a.m. the call was changed from a sick call to a structure fire. The call was then upgraded to a working fire bringing more SVFD Fire crews to the scene. Moderate smoke could be seen but no flames initially coming from an upstairs location.
Thirteen additional fire units responded including Engine 82 (E82) and E85 from Spokane County Fire District 8. Due to the nature of the initial response to the incident, initial crews were unable to enter the house initially or walk around the entire structure to establish all the elements of the fire until the SO allowed for access.
Fire crews were allowed access to the inside of the home and then had to vacate the structure due to safety concerns. Crews continued to combat the flames from a safe distance and despite a difficult situation and unusual circumstances were able to knock the fire down without any harm occurring to Firefighters or nearby citizens or houses.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind everyone to call 911 immediately if you hear or see anything that is a
threat to your fire and life safety.
Car Collision – November 26, 2022 - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded at 2:25 pm to the intersection of Trent and Pines in the Spokane Valley. Calls to 911 reported several patients, including two with possible life-threatening injuries, which prompted dispatching of two paramedic fire engines and an ambulance.
The first arriving unit, Engine 6 (VE6) responded from the Millwood area and arrived on scene to find two vehicles blocking all lanes of eastbound Hwy 290 (Trent Ave.) at Pines. The call was upgraded to an extrication response for the two trapped patients, bringing specialized units carrying tools for dismantling a car, additional SVFD paramedics and two more ambulances.
An AMR (American Medical Response) ambulance arrived and began assisting with medical care for three of the occupants who got out on their own. Multiple fire units arrived as part of the extrication response to begin cutting the vehicles away from the remaining two occupants, removing doors, etc and provide needed access for paramedics from both SVFD and AMR. There was a total of five occupants in both vehicles. Four were treated and transported emergently by ambulance to the hospital. One occupant was declared deceased on scene. Due to HIPAA laws, no further info about patients’ injuries will be available from SVFD.
A total of five Engines, two Ladder trucks, three command vehicles, three AMR ambulances and multiple Spokane Sheriff and WSP units responded, bringing a total of 32 fire and medical personnel to the scene. There were no injuries reported to responders.
The cause of the collision is under investigation by WA State Patrol, and any further information will come from WSP; and Trent will remain limited with eastbound lanes closed and detours in place for the duration of the investigation.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind everyone of Washington State’s “Drive to Zero”, a strategic highway safety plan. The goal is ZERO traffic deaths and serious injuries by the year 2030. You can help by driving sober, choosing to go the speed limit, driving distraction free, and wearing your seatbelt. See wadrivetozero. com or for more information.
Eugene Domanico has a lot to look back on in his life, all 100 years of it. He grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and then shipped off to Europe during World War II before returning to Iowa and then Spokane.
But he insists that there’s no secret to his longevity. “I try to be honest in life and not pull the wool over anyone’s eyes, in the service and the restaurant business.”
When he was growing up his parents owned the Green Parrot, a restaurant and nightclub in Des Moines. “I was raised in the food business,” he said.
But Domanico dreamt of being a pilot and during World War II he tried to make that dream come true. “I joined the Air Force just before I was drafted,” he said.
But his dream was not meant to be and he was made a bombardier instead. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and then sent to Europe with the 447th Bomb Group, flying in a B-17 with a crew of 10. His job was to perch in the nose of the plane and use the bomb sight to drop the plane’s bombs. Once the bombs were away, the crew usually didn’t know until later if they had hit the target or not. “We usually looked at the pictures the next day,” he said.
Anti-aircraft fire was a regular part of the missions and sometimes their plane was unscathed. Domancio said he and the crew often didn’t know how badly the plane was shot up until they looked as the faces of the ground crew as they taxied to their parking spot. If they looked upset, it was bad news.
“Then we knew we had a lot of holes,” he said. “Some missions we were all shot up.”
Their targets were commercial
buildings such as airports, Domanico said. “We bombed commercial sites, factories and railroads,” he said. “We never tried to bomb the German people.”
Domanico completed 18 missions before the war ended. “My last mission in the B-17 was nine hours for something clear over in Czechoslovakia,” he said.
Working together with his crew, many of whom came from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, taught Domanico both the value of teamwork and that differences, including differences in rank, didn’t matter. “When you’ve got 10 of you on a plane, you’ve got to cooperate,” he said. “When you’re on that plane, you’re equal.”
He considered his crewmates to be his brothers and kept in touch with them after the war ended. “I’ve outlived all my crew members,” he said.
After the war he returned to Des Moines to his wife, Ann, and their young son. The couple would eventually have six children. His parents retired and he and his brother took over the family business
for nearly two decades. “We had the second biggest restaurant and nightclub in Des Moines,” he said.
Domanico joined the Lions Club, which works with the blind, shortly after he returned from World War II. His restaurant had several employees who were blind who were trained by the Iowa Commission for the Blind. In the late 1960’s, Domanico took a job with the Commission, where he would meet his second wife, Nancy. He worked to find jobs for blind students who had finished their training.
“We had 30 locations in Iowa, different restaurants and bars and grocery stores where the blind worked,” he said.
He also got his real estate broker’s license, which he held for decades. In about 1976, he and Nancy left Iowa for Spokane, where Nancy was from. The couple both worked for the Lilac Services for the Blind, where Nancy would become the director. The organization has an endowment fund named in her honor and Domanico still sits on the board of directors.
Domanico has also been a
longtime member of Spokane Central Lions and the Liberty Lake Lions Club.
His wife Nancy died of cancer in 2000. He currently has a longtime partner, Kathy Butler, who he said he considers his wife.
Butler said she met Domanico 20 years ago when he moved into an independent living apartment at the Orchard Crest retirement facility where she worked as a housekeeper. At the time he had moved in even though he was still physically active because he was lonely, Butler said. “He’d talk about his wife Nancy,” she said. “Her picture was all over the apartment.”
She had recently lost her husband and the two would talk every time she cleaned his apartment. They began dating, he moved out and the two lived together for a time. Before too long, however, they realized that they were much better as friends who didn’t live together, Butler said. “At his age, he’s set in his ways,” she said. “At my age, I’m set in my ways.”
But that didn’t stop her from loving his jokes and his kindness and appreciating it when he told her she is beautiful. “He is the most loving, caring, funny man I’ve ever met in my life,” she said. “You couldn’t meet a nicer, more lovable man than him.”
As time went on, he stopped leaving the house because he could no longer walk well and he was lonely even though Butler visited every day. He recently moved into Brighton Court in Spokane Valley so he can get the daily assistance he needs and regular companionship. Butler still visits him regularly.
“I thank God for him every day,” she said. “He’s just a joy.”
By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor
Defined by fast breaks, scrambling defense and quick bolts to the hoop, basketball is rarely referred to as “a waiting game.”
That is unless you happen to be an underclassman on a high school roster stocked with juniors and seniors who occupy most of the playing time.
For Autumn Agnew of Central Valley and Tyler Nelson of University, patiently waiting for their numbers to be called has paid off. The two seniors –who spent their early prep years dealing with reserve minutes as well as the virtual elimination of a sophomore season due to a worldwide pandemic – are now leading their respective teams among the area’s elite.
Agnew was a freshman on a Bears’ squad that won the Greater Spokane League (GSL) title and vaulted to the 201920 state 4A championship, defeating previously undefeated Woodinville. While she didn’t see the court during CV’s playoff run, Agnew said the experience of practicing with teammates like MJ Bruno and Peyton Howard – who would go onto play Division-1 college basketball – proved valuable.
“Competing against them in practice made me so much better,” Agnew said.
As a sophomore, Agnew was part of a roster that got past Mead to win another GSL crown. Despite the abbreviated season and cancellation of the post-season related to the pandemic, Agnew contributed significantly as a sub
who stood out on the defensive end.
“The team didn’t really need me offensively,” she said. “I hit some threes but I was mostly a defensive player.”
That changed last season as Agnew averaged nearly 15 points per game, including a career-high 27 against Cheney. While the Bears were eliminated from the district bracket after a .500 campaign, it was clear that Agnew had arrived as one of the GSL’s best.
“From the time she was a freshman, you could see Autumn was dynamic, had great energy and was happy to be in the gym,” said CV Head Coach Felice Orrell.
“She also really understands
what Central Valley basketball is all about and the culture we’ve created here.”
This season, the trend has continued with Agnew netting over 17 points a game for a Bears’ team that leads the GSL 4A race after a convincing 65-53 win over Gonzaga Prep on Jan. 20. Agnew led CV with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. The victory advanced the Bears to 6-0 in league play and 11-3 overall.
Agnew is also averaging seven rebounds, two steals and one assist per game.
“She’s such a force on both ends of the court,” said Orrell. “I’ve seen Autumn grow a lot in her mental game and basketball game.”
Agnew, also an accomplished volleyball player, credits a
vigorous summer training regimen for her best season yet.
“I think before teams thought I could only drive but I wanted to be accurate from anywhere,” she said. “I also wanted to get stronger and improve my vertical jump.”
Orrell said Agnew and her teammates sent a message early on with the season opener at Kennewick, a 52-48 win in which the senior captain scored 18 points.
“I knew we had something to prove, just letting people know how good our team was and how much we’d improved,” Agnew said.
A holiday tournament in late December gave CV a chance to face the top-ranked 4A team in the state, Woodinville, on a neutral court. A close game at half got away from the Bears after an 11-4 Woodinville run in the third quarter. Despite the 17-point setback, Agnew said the matchup gave CV a litmus test for the postseason.
“We showed we could play with a team like that,” she said. “I think if we were to play them again, it’d be a completely different game.”
Later in the same tournament, Agnew tallied a career-high 30 in a win over Lake Stevens.
Agnew says she stays grounded by two pillars – faith and family, both of which give her perspective beyond basketball.
“My favorite part of the week is Sunday morning because it means going to church and breakfast with my family,” she said. “At the end of the day, I know God is always for me.”
Agnew will continue her pursuit of basketball and academics on scholarship at Corban University, a private Christian college in Salem, Oregon.
See SPORTS STREAM, Page 22
Greeting fellow students at Central Valley High School is just part of the routine for Sarthak Shrestha. The senior serves as ASB president and takes his responsibilities as student ambassador seriously, including morning door greeter. Shrestha maintains a 4.0 grade point average and has taken 10 AP classes. He has competed in Speech and Debate at CV for four years, qualifying for state three times and reaching nationals through Future Business Leaders of America. The Missouri native was team captain for the Bears’ track and field squad last year, participating in the 100 and 200 meters as well as the 4 x 400 relay. He has served as a Congressional intern with the office of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Shrestha has been accepted to the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and will study Economics and International Studies.
Continued from page 18
“I’m looking forward to Autumn’s next chapter,” Orrell said.
As for the possibility of closing out her prep career with state title bookends, Agnew said to not count the Bears out. CV just recently crept into the state polls at No. 9, a fact not lost on Agnew and her teammates.
“I think this team is playing with a little chip on our shoulder,” she said. “We should be ranked higher. If we play our best game, we have a chance (at state).”
While Agnew and her fellow Bears have the inside track on another GSL championship, Nelson has led the Titans among the league’s best on the boys’ 3A side. U-Hi sits at 12-4 overall, 4-3 in the GSL. The senior guard is averaging 16 points a game on 44 percent shooting while dishing out nearly five assists and pulling down close to four rebounds per contest.
As an athlete, student and servant leader, Bella Mueller is having an impact at Ridgeline High School. The junior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and competes in basketball and cross country. “Bella is an amazing piece of our basketball team,” said RHS Head Coach Clyde Woods. “She always has a smile on her face and is always looking to help others.” The Liberty Lake resident is also part of the Ridgeline Leadership Team and helped start the Green Team last year, a club focused on environmental awareness and sustainability. She is currently taking Spanish 3, PreCalculus and three other AP classes. Mueller also participates in Junior Class Council, Link Crew and Choir. On and off the court, Mueller emphasizes teamwork. “In order to build up a positive mindset, we need to be there for each other,” she said.
“We’re leaning on him with his leadership and experience as a captain,” said University Head Coach Garrick Phillips. “His leadership has grown a lot this year. He puts his team first.”
Last season, Nelson found himself behind seniors Jeremiah Sibley – now playing at North Idaho College – and Will Kennedy – on the roster at Evergreen State. He worked his way into the starting lineup toward the end of the year after injuries to several starters.
“He ended up playing a critical role,” Phillips said. “Tyler has high expectations of himself.”
In the 2022 district playoffs, Nelson stepped up with 12 points against Kennewick and 17 in a win over Hermiston before the Titans were eliminated by Mt. Spokane.
This season, Nelson appears well on his way to achieving a goal of earning All GSL recognition. He had 23 points, eight assists and five rebounds in a 61-42 win over Lewis and Clark on Jan. 3 and followed that up with 20 points in
Karen Toreson has been a kind and generous fixture near the shores of Liberty Lake for over five decades. The Spokane native spent 31 years in education at the elementary school level, teaching at Sunrise and University and serving as principal at Keystone, Broadway and Ponderosa. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Toreson is part of the Daughters of Norway and a longtime member of the Sunrise Rotary Club where she currently serves as president. “Karen sees when people need something and always steps up,” said friend Annie Tichy. “She is very community-aware and, as a neighbor, has helped me out through the years.” Karen and her husband Skip celebrated 60 years of marriage last June. They were honored as grand marshals of the 32nd Alpine Shores Fourth of July Parade last year. Karen is a proud mom and grandmother.
the first half against Gonzaga Prep before the Bullpups employed a box-in-one defense to hold Nelson to four points in the final half.
Listed at 5’9, Nelson says he is always ready for the challenge of playing against taller opponents.
“I’ve always had to find ways to be better than players bigger than me,” Nelson said.
Phillips points to Nelson’s “athleticism and competitive spirit” as traits that set the guard apart. In the final game of a holiday tournament, the Titans took on Eastmont from Wenatchee and “came out kind of flat,” Phillips recalls.
“Tyler just kind of took over,” Phillips said of an effort that featured 28 points and two goahead free throws in the final seconds, securing a 70-69 U-Hi victory.
Despite putting up impressive numbers on the offensive end, Nelson also makes it a point to emphasize defense. He has taken nine offensive charges this year and compiled a dozen steals and
19 deflections.
“I’ve always taken pride in my defense,” he said. “I’ve always said that defense wins games.”
Nelson hopes to play basketball at the college level, an aspiration that his coach believes is within reach.
“In the right situation, Tyler could definitely play at another level,” he said. “He’s a highly skilled player with great court vision who is also gifted defensively.”
Despite a setback to Ferris on Jan. 20, Nelson and his fellow Titans remain among the favorites to advance beyond the district bracket later this month. A clutch 63-60 victory over North Central on Jan. 24 helped the cause. Nelson had 24 points in the win. The senior says it will take the team playing up to its potential to thrive in the post-season.
“I feel like we can make a very good run,” Nelson said. “We just need to keep playing hard, working in practice and not taking teams lightly.”
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It’s all about improving outcomes for children. As President of Mountain States Policy Center, I’m proud to announce the launch of "Education Choice Improves Outcomes."
This interactive effort includes seven new informational videos, an interactive website, a complete listing of programs, debunking myths, and much more. Our recent Idaho Poll showed a third of Idahoans are not familiar with education choice, but when they know about it, they overwhelmingly approve.
What if you could use some of the money allocated to your child’s education to get them extra tutoring – something that would supplement your public school? What if you had the resources to send your child to a private or specialty school to focus on a specific subject on which they excelled? What if, like me, you had a special needs child that needed extra assistance outside the classroom – and you finally had the ability to pay for it?
This is not about shutting down public schools. As a state and region, we need to do better to make sure parents and families have more choices, and businesses have a future workforce that is skilled and qualified. When families have more choices, the outcomes for our children improve.
How do we know this? On mountainstatespolicy.org you’ll find a complete list of education choice programs from across the country – which ones succeeded, which ones failed, and which ones made no difference. The vast majority show education choice programs save taxpayers money, allow for more diverse schools, and improve academic outcomes for
those participating and those who choose to stay in their local schools.
Unfortunately, those interested in the status quo are frightening citizens with a lot of myths. Here are the top six.
Myth One – Allowing more education choice will harm public schools
In reality, public schools are part of education choice. If your neighborhood public school is working for you, nothing will change. In fact, education choice can help improve your local public school. Why? Because parents will have more resources to get their child extra tutoring or assistance outside of the classroom. This can take some of the burden off your public school.
Myth Two – Education choice violates the separation between church and state
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that appropriately designed education choice programs are fully constitutional. And numerous state courts have upheld the constitutionality of education choice. Still, it’s important to know that most won’t use education choice to send their child to a private or religious school. Most will stay in public schools, and instead might use education choice to help pay for the extra tutoring or help that their child so desperately needs.
Myth Three – Students don’t benefit from education choice
Seventeen major studies have examined academic outcomes for education choice participants. Eleven of them have reported an increase in student outcomes. Four reported no effects. Only two reported negative effects. Education choice has led to higher graduation rates and 43% of students who have used education choice are more likely to enroll in college.
Myth Four – There’s no accountability when it comes to education choice
All education choice programs have a level of administrative and financial accountability. Most have academic accountability. In most states, your student still must either take state assessments or tests to
measure whether they are meeting standards. Furthermore, families must opt-in to education choice programs, and they can opt out at any time. This adds another layer of accountability. If your education choice program isn’t working, you have the greatest accountability tool of all – the ability to leave.
Myth Five – Education choice hurts rural communities
A Brookings Institute report shows a full 70% of rural families live within ten miles of various education choice options, including charter schools and private schools. As other states have advanced education choice, supply has increased to meet demand. In Florida, the number of private schools in rural areas doubled after numerous expansions of education choice. In Arizona, a public school is 15 times more likely to lose a student to another public school than a private school.
Myth Six – Education choice is anti-public school
Public schools are critical to the success of our region and country. But they don’t always work for everyone. And when that happens, children and families should be able to get the extra help they need. Every child can learn and should have the chance to do so in a way that meets their individual learning needs. We’re paying to educate the child. That must be what comes first. As state courts have recently ruled, public schools and education choice can exist at the same time.
Education choice is important because education choice improves outcomes for children. Every state does it differently, but the Mountain States are behind the times when it comes to providing your family with more options. In places where education choice is allowed, the results are impressive and the future for children improves. That is what’s most important.
Chris Cargill is the President & CEO of Mountain States Policy Center, online at mountainstatespolicy.org.
To the business owners who invest the time and expense to fly our American flag along I-90 between the Liberty Lake and Barker exits, I just want to say thank you so much. When I see those flags unfurling, or hanging limp on the rare day with no wind, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The waving red, white and blue emblems of patriotism flying proudly over Camping World, Harley Davidson, and the newly constructed Western States facility are a gift to me every time I drive to or from my home.
I am reminded of the blessings of freedom I enjoy in this great country. I feel a renewed resolve to be an active citizen by voting in every election, improving my own understanding of our Constitution and engaging in public discussion to help protect God given freedoms for all people.
So thank you, and please keep flying the flag of the United States of America, reminding us all of the privilege it is to live in this great country, and hopefully encouraging many many more to be active citizens.
Shaun Lorraine BrownThe Splash is committed to serving Liberty Lake through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage.
Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships withThe Splash and its partner publications:
Congratulations and good work to the following students on achieving Honor Roll.
EWU
Aliyah Adams, Bailey Baker, Andrew Brown, Claire Buchheit, Kennedy Clark, Sam Clary, Logan Coddington, Ainsley Conn, Tate Cornell, Amber Cuda, Stacia DeHamer, Halli Densley, Thomas Edwards, Emmy Elvidge, Deakin Fenton, Grace Hanson, Ryan Harper, Lauren Harris, Grace Hartman, Harrison Heckerman, Malia Horton, Michelle Kendrick, Avery Koesel, Betsy Legg, Michael Lemm, Michael Lorhan, Tina Marks, Alyssa Marvin, Olivia Minnick, McKenna Murphy, Grace Nall, Emily Nguyen, Brenna Niemi, Tyler Nixon, Mark Norman, Stella Olander, Jalyn Osgood, Ally Phillips, Corrinne Phillips, Brooklynn Pieroni, William Reese, Jack Richardson, Joshua Rogers, Michael Sanborn, Anna Sattler, Mason Scott, Abigail Short, Gabrielle Simon, Justin Simpson, Joshua Sims, Hannah Sipes, Carson Spence, Marissa Suarez, Ian Szymanski, Matthew Szymanski, Zachary Szymanski, Jenna Thomason, Kellen Ungaro , Sissi Wang, Leah Welsh, Aaron Williams, Katie Winter
Gonzaga University
Victoria Axtell, Casey Constance, Kylie Constance, Matthew D'ArcyEvans, Diego Dorta, Caleb Preti, Brady Reding, Parker Smith, Zachary Stocker
SCC
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ben Wick ben@libertylakesplash.com
CO OWNER Danica Wick danica@libertylakesplash.com
CIRCULATION Larry Passmore circulation@libertylakesplash.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Nina Culver, Craig Howard, Ashley Humbird, Ross Schneidmiller
The Liberty Lake Splash
P.O. Box 363
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Phone: 242-7752
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By Ashley Humbird
Current contributor
We’ve all seen the Valentines Day displays at the big box stores, and while it may be tempting and convenient to pick up a gift while shopping for groceries, supporting local business and finding a unique gift or experience can be more rewarding and help create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
Jedi Alliance
The Jedi Alliance is in an unassuming building on the corner of Broadway and Fancher in the Spokane Valley. Many have probably driven past without giving it a second look, but the opportunity to experience one of the Valley’s best arcades lies within. Dubbed the ‘Church of Pop Culture’, the Jedi Alliance houses classic arcade games, pinball machines, a toy museum and movie prop display all under one roof. For a flat “contribution” of $16.50 per person, you can play all the free arcade games and pinball machines to your hearts content. The games are a nostalgic trip for people growing up in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s with games that include Atari, Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, and more! This is the perfect setting for a weekend date night at any age. The Jedi Alliance located at 5908 E. Broadway and is open Friday from 6 to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 10pm; they are closed Monday through Thursday.
Graze Craze
Newly opened in Spokane Valley, choose a specialty board in time for your intimate Valentine’s Day celebration at home. The Indulgence Board comes complete with yogurt-covered pretzels, peppered salami roses and our fanfavorite ingredients. Or join them for a special event February 2nd, 7th or 9th to spoil your sweetie with a class for two creating a beautiful heart charcuterie board while sipping on wine! Go to their website for more details https:// www.grazecraze.com/
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to get out and attend a local dance held on Valentine’s Day. If that dance is in the Historic Flight Museum, it is even better! Enjoy an evening dancing the night away with the backdrop of vintage planes while moving to the upbeat swing music presented by the Master Class Big Band. Your ticket includes a BBQ dinner that will be served at the start of the event. A no host cash bar will be available for those looking to spice up their night just a little more. Tickets are $20 per person. Call (509) 535-6000 to purchase a ticket. The Historic Flight Museum is located at 5829 E. Rutter Ave. The dance is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Adorkable Flowers
Flowers are a great way to show someone that you care and appreciate them. And while this veteran-owned flower shop makes beautiful and stunning arrangements for all special occasions, workshops in February offer you the unique experience of creating your own one-of-a-kind arrangement. Workshops begin the first day of February and are offered throughout the month. including a special Valentine’s Day arrangement workshop on February 11th and a special single’s night workshop on February 15th. Visit their website at adorkableflowersandgifts.com and view the workshops on the workshop/events tab. Adorkable Flowers is located at 1326 N Liberty Lake Rd. They are open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 3:30pm; they are closed Sunday.
Swing Lounge
Swing Lounge recently opened in 2022 and is near the entrance to the Industrial Park and conveniently located for you to learn how to golf with private lessons, or schedule a tee-time to help improve your partners golf game before the golf courses open for the year. The indoor range has over 220 courses from around the world to play virtually. Currently they are open Monday through Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 11pm, and Sundays 11am to 8pm. Swing Lounge is located at 3808 North Sullivan Road #103. Visit their website at swinglounge.golf
Liberty Lake Kiwanis’s 18th Annual Father Daughter Dance
For their 18th annual Father Daughter Dance on March 4th, the Liberty Lake Kiwanis selected the theme of ‘Reach for the Stars’. Each year the members and volunteers decorate a ballroom at the Mirabeau Max Hotel for fathers and their daughters to enjoy and dance to fun music in. During the event there will be prizes given away. This dance is for all fathers and their daughters age 0-18 years old. Tickets can be purchased online at libertylakekiwanis.org. Ticket prices begin at $75 per couple if purchased before February 14th. Other options are available including a dinner and dance package. The dance begins at 6:30pm and ends at 9:00pm.
The Mirabeau Park Hotel and Max Restaurant
A hallmark of the Spokane Valley’s landscape, the Mirabeau Park hotel houses an impressive amount of hotel rooms on their property. Over two hundred and fifty rooms are at the hotel and many of them have their own balcony. The hotel rooms at Mirabeau Park are approximately 30% larger than your standard hotel room while The Max offers tempting culinary dishes. For Valentine’s Day 2023, they are offering a dinner and room special package starting at $229. The package includes a $100 Max dining credit, room accommodations, a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, and Grand Marnier chocolate dipped strawberries. The offer is for a limited time only, February 10th through the 19th. Visit their website for more information at mirabeauparkhotel.com. The Mirabeau Park Hotel and The Max restaurant is located at 1100 N Sullivan Rd.
GIVE AWAY!!
Make celebrating and supporting local business even more fun by competing for a prize! Take your copy of The Splash to any of these establishments (find more in The Current) and snap us a photo of you with The Splash. Each photo sent (limit one per location) to editor@libertylakesplash.com with name, phone number and business visited will enter you to win a $100 gift card to The Pentagon in Liberty Lake to celebrate! All entries must be submitted by February 20th to be valid. Happy Valentine’s Day!
